A comparison of adhesive performance among six cursorial spider species

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  A comparison of adhesive performance among six cursorial spider species Abstract The ability to adhere to surfaces is particularly relevant for cursorial predatory arthropods like hunting spiders, which often traverse relatively complex environments characterized by large variation in substrate properties. Here, we evaluated the adhesive performance of six hunting spider species that are common in eastern temperate North America and lack specialized tarsi for climbing smooth or inclined surfaces [Lycosidae: Pardosa lapidicina Emerton, 1885 and Rabidosa rabida (Walckenaer, 1837); Oxyopidae: Oxyopes salticus Hentz, 1845; Pisauridae: Pisaurina mira (Walckenaer, 1837); Dolomedidae: Dolomedes triton (Walckenaer, 1837), and Dolomedes scriptus Hentz, 1845]. We tested adhesion performance as shear load resistance (g) on a glass plate, and as the angle of failure (°) when the plate was gradually inclined relative to horizontal. Average angle of failure and shear resistance differed among ...

Biological Activities of Scorpion Venom and Hemolymph from Two Armenian Species

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By Per-Anders Olsson - Per-Anders Olsson (used with permission), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79273

Biological Activities of Scorpion Venom and Hemolymph from Two Armenian Species

Abstract
Armenia is home to a rich diversity of unique species. Scorpion venom is a complex mixture of biologically active compounds that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Recent studies have confirmed that scorpion venom contains antimicrobial peptides effective against various bacteria. Additionally, it exhibits immunosuppressive and anticancer properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the composition and selected biological activities of venom from two scorpion species native to Armenia. The proteolytic and hemolytic activities of venom and hemolymph from Mesobuthus caucasicus and Androctonus crassicauda scorpions were analyzed using 12% SDS-PAGE. Protein fractions were separated based on their molecular weight under denaturing conditions. Antibacterial activity of the crude venom, hemolymph, and isolated protein fractions was assessed using the agar diffusion method. The venom and hemolymph of Mesobuthus caucasicus and Androctonus crassicauda exhibit narrow-spectrum antibacterial activity. Notably, the protein composition of venom and hemolymph differs between the two species. Antibacterial effects are attributed to only two specific protein and/or glycoprotein fractions present in the venom. Furthermore, nutritional status appears to influence the protein profile of both venom and hemolymph. In addition to their antimicrobial properties, the venom and hemolymph also demonstrate proteolytic and hemolytic activities. The venom and hemolymph of Mesobuthus caucasicus and Androctonus crassicauda demonstrate distinct protein compositions and exhibit significant antibacterial, proteolytic, and hemolytic activities, highlighting their potential for biotechnological and therapeutic applications.

Biological Activities of Scorpion Venom and Hemolymph from Two Armenian Species. (2025). Journal of Innovative Solutions for Eco-Environmental Sustainability, 029. https://doi.org/10.46991/JISEES.2025.SI1.029